1997 Taurus 3.0L OHV: Headbolt specs?

[RedVenom48]

Ok, so Im tearing into my soon to be daily driver 1997 Ford Taurus. Has the 3.0L Vulcan OHV engine. Blown headgaskets. Ive got a new headgasket set and TTY headbolts.

Per the Haynes manual I picked up, its a four step tightening procedure listed as such.

initial torque to 52-66 ft/lbs
back off 360 degrees
torque back up to 34-40 footpounds
final torque step of 63-73

does this sounds correct? Also, are they saying for example: 52-66 that I should torque to 52 then up to 66 ft/lbs or anywhere from 52-66 ft/lbs is acceptable torque? Confusing to say the least.

Any help is appreciated. thanks!

 

[kevinatfms]

Anywhere between 52-66ft/lbs is acceptable.

I believe they use the range due to the fact that the bolt torque on TTY and TTA bolts can actually vary between them even at the same ft/lbs rating. So they have a range that is acceptable for the variance in things like lubrication used, material and thread condition.

And the sequence above is correct from the Ford WSM.

 

[mrlrd1]

Have those heads checked before install! Every single one I've torn apart for a blown head gaskets had cracked heads.

 

[RedVenom48]

Anywhere between 52-66ft/lbs is acceptable.

I believe they use the range due to the fact that the bolt torque on TTY and TTA bolts can actually vary between them even at the same ft/lbs rating. So they have a range that is acceptable for the variance in things like lubrication used, material and thread condition.

And the sequence above is correct from the Ford WSM.

I appreciate the reply Kevin! Interesting tidbits about the torque specs. Head gasket job went off smoothly. The Mahle/Victor Reinz kit I used was very complete and the Mahle head bolts were of good quality.

Have those heads checked before install! Every single one I've torn apart for a blown head gaskets had cracked heads.

That was definitely a concern of mine. Maybe I lucked out but the heads both looked ok, with no discernible cracks or failures. That may change with a fresh head gasket lol, but I figure if I get a year or two out of this car as my daily (18 miles round trip per day), it was money well spent.